Live in Edmonton cover

Live in Edmonton

Serj Tankian · 2021

62 min · 14 tracks · opera

Raw and powerful, this live album captures Serj Tankian's dynamic vocal range and politically charged lyricism in an electric atmosphere.

Top tracks — play these first

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    Empty Walls — This track highlights Tankian's signature blend of haunting melodies and incisive lyrics that critique societal norms and instigate thought.
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    Lie Lie Lie — With its aggressive instrumentation and pointed lyrics, this song exemplifies Tankian's ability to fuse rock intensity with sharp political commentary.
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    Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition — This cover showcases Tankian’s theatrical vocal style while engaging with themes of war and hypocrisy, making it a standout moment in the live set.
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    The Unthinking Majority — The raw energy of this track reflects the frustrations of disenfranchised populations, encapsulating the spirit of activism that permeates Tankian's work.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • dynamic progression with peaks
  • live energy and intensity
  • cathartic release through performance
  • engaging two-part listening experience

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer polished studio recordings
  • seek consistent, steady pacing

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2021, Live in Edmonton follows Serj Tankian's solo career trajectory after his initial success with System of a Down. This album showcases his deepening engagement with political themes and personal expression, presenting a collection of both new material and reimagined classics from his discography. At this stage, he was solidifying his identity as a solo artist while continuing to explore diverse musical styles.

Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

  • Lie Lie Lie

    The verses build up to an explosive chorus that directly confronts manipulation and deceit in politics.

    This shift from restrained verses to a forceful chorus emphasizes the urgency of the message, mirroring the tension in societal discourse.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Sounds of War 5:44
  • 2 Empty Walls 3:50
  • 3 Feed Us 4:16
  • 4 Lie Lie Lie 4:04
  • 5 Saving Us 4:46
  • 6 Baby 3:31
  • 7 Sky Is Over 2:41
  • 8 Praise the Lord and Pass the Ammunition 5:05
  • 9 Charades 4:24
  • 10 Honking Antelope 5:36
  • 11 Holiday in Cambodia 4:42
  • 12 Beethoven's Cunt 6:35
  • 13 The Unthinking Majority 4:01
  • 14 Elect the Dead 3:26

Reference: MusicBrainz · Wikidata